Tuesday, 22 August, 2023
Lilydale
Life saving defib launched in Lilydale
Community concerns about FOGO bins
Animal therapy changes young lives
Prepare for a Bio Blitz Comp
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A Star News Group Publication
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Books for all It’s Book Week and that means it’s time to “Read, Grow, Inspire”, with the theme aiming to celebrate another generation of book lovers. Gladesville Primary School students Jayden, Conor, Zoe and Piper shared with Star Mail some of their favourite books and what makes reading so much fun. The annual Children’s Book Council of Australia event is always a fun way for teachers, librarians and parents to immerse kids into the world of books, while telling stories and sharing the importance of reading. To see more on Book Week, hear from authors and some of Star Mail’s own staff, turn to pages 8-10.
Gladesville Primary School students Jayden (Grade 4), Conor (Grade 3), Zoe (Grade 5) and Piper (Grade 3) love a good book to get their imagination going. 354424 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Honoured at last In 50 years, Australia’s perception of the Vietnam War has changed dramatically from not welcoming those who served home, to finally commending them on their gallantry. On Friday 18 August, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, communities across Australia marked 50 years since Australia’s involvement in the war, including the Mount Evelyn RSL. In a small commemoration, Mount Evelyn RSL vice president John Sumner led a service and wreath laying against the wind and rain,
the Last Post was played, the Ode recited and the humming of the bagpipes cast a sombre sound over the cenotaph. Despite many of the Yarra Ranges’ men returning 50 or more years ago, they are still only now gaining the dues they deserved, with medals and citations being presented. Reflecting on a time of conscription and awaiting the call of your birth date, Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson tells of how he ended up in Vietnam at 20 years old and celebrated his 21st birthday in a waterfilled trench as
the Viet Cong fired on his campsite. These days the story brings a smile and laugh to his face as he remembers the camaraderie. Those friendships made throughout the war continue to this day, with Mr Dobson saying he still has regular catchups with those he served with. It was this sentiment that Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh reflected on at the national commemorative event in Canberra.
“It’s about knowing no matter how dire the circumstances, your mates will always have your back,“ he said. At the time of going to Vietnam, Mr Dobson said he was “happy to serve“ but as soon as he arrived, he realised it wasn’t Australia’s fight, so the next 12 months were about surviving. Looking back now, he said “I don’t want to in any way glorify war“ and thinks “everyone should question everything when it comes to war“. To read more, turn to pages 4 and 5
Cire Community School
A school of choice creating brighter futures Now taking enrolments Mount Evelyn & Lilydale Campus - Years 7 to 12 1300 835 235 www.cire.org.au 12628066-JC34-23